Panthers’ Sam Reinhart exits Eastern final Game 2 against Hurricanes with injury after Aho hit
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Florida forward Sam Reinhart left the Panthers’ 5-0 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night in the Eastern Conference final with a lower-body injury and didn’t return.
Coach Paul Maurice said Reinhart would be examined Friday, the day before the series shifts to Florida with the defending Stanley Cup champions aiming to take a 3-0 series lead.
Reinhart was shaken up late in the first period when he was hit by Carolina’s Sebastian Aho as Reinhart carried the puck into the offensive zone. Aho hit Reinhart near the left knee, with the leg bending awkwardly. Reinhart made his way back to the bench and was grimacing in pain before heading to the locker room.
Reinhart’s injury came as the reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers had raced to a 3-0 first-period lead in Game 2 after winning 5-2 on Tuesday night in the series opener.
